Guardiola Unwavering in Haaland Praise Despite Striker's Quiet Spell
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has emphatically reaffirmed his belief that Erling Haaland is the premier striker in world football, even as the Norwegian international endures an uncharacteristic goal drought. The prolific forward has found the net only twice in his last twelve appearances for the club, a stark contrast to his blistering form earlier in the campaign where he scored twenty-five times in twenty-three games.
Manager's Firm Backing Ahead of Anfield Test
Speaking at a press conference previewing Sunday's pivotal Premier League trip to Liverpool, Guardiola was pointed in his assessment. "Erling is the best striker in the world," the City boss declared when questioned about his star forward's recent quiet patch. This public vote of confidence comes after Haaland started on the bench during Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle, a move widely interpreted as resting the twenty-five-year-old for the crucial league encounter.
In Haaland's absence, Omar Marmoush seized his opportunity, scoring twice. When pressed on whether Haaland would return to the starting lineup against Liverpool, Guardiola remained non-committal but steadfast in his praise. "I don't know, we'll decide tomorrow, but I always say Erling is the best," he stated.
Guehi's Arrival and Cup Final Frustration
The press conference also covered the imminent return of new signing Marc Guehi to the City side. The England centre-back, a £20 million acquisition from Crystal Palace last month, was ineligible for the midweek cup tie. Guardiola expressed his delight that City ultimately benefited after Guehi's proposed move to Liverpool collapsed on last summer's transfer deadline day.
"You can smell it – he'll be a great, great signing for City for the next five, six, seven, eight years. Top," Guardiola enthused. "It's the skills, the mentality, the professionalism, the way he leads. Many of the things you need to be a good, good central defender."
However, the manager voiced frustration that Guehi will be unavailable for the upcoming Carabao Cup final due to competition regulations, a rule he accepts but does not fully understand. "I know the rules are the rules – and I understand. I don't understand why Antoine (Semenyo) can play but Marc can't. But there's a rule and it's OK. We can agree to disagree," Guardiola remarked.
Title Race Pressure and Liverpool Challenge
City's form has stuttered recently, with the second-placed side dropping points in five of their last six Premier League matches. They can afford few further slip-ups if they are to maintain pressure on leaders Arsenal. This weekend's opponents, Liverpool, have themselves failed to match the standards of their title-winning campaign last season, but Guardiola warned they remain a formidable force.
"They remain an exceptional team with a top-class manager, no doubt," he said. "The moments are the moments, the seasons are the seasons. They've rebuilt the squad, not for one season, but for many years, so they always remain a good team."
Financial Charges Anniversary
Friday also marked the third anniversary of Manchester City being charged with over one hundred breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations, a matter which remains unresolved. Guardiola addressed the ongoing situation briefly, stating, "It's not in my hands. We await the resolution." The club continues to operate under the shadow of these allegations as they pursue success on the pitch.
